Elsevier Announces the 9th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium in Kyoto
Date: 24/11/2010
Source: PRNewswire
OXFORD, England - Elsevier, the leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services, today announced that the 9th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium (http://www.pangborn2011.com/) has been confirmed, taking place in Kyoto, Japan on 4-8 September 2011.
With the last symposium attracting 1000 delegates, Pangborn is the most prestigious conference within the field of sensory science and is the only meeting that allows sensory science practitioners to discover, discuss and develop the latest in fundamental and applied sensory science.
For the first time the Pangborn Symposium will engage directly with the field of sensory science in Asia. For this purpose we have chosen the ancient and beautiful city of Kyoto famed for its historic temples, exquisite gardens and glimpses into the traditional Japanese way of life.
The Scientific Committee composed of acknowledged opinion leaders in sensory science from across the spectrum of research areas will work alongside organizers from Elsevier to develop a multidisciplinary programme, covering areas such as fundamentals of sensory perception, consumer research, sensometrics, sensory analysis and quality assurance.
"The Pangborn Sensory Science Symposia consistently provide researchers with a marvelous opportunity to share knowledge and network with their peers," said Lyndon Driscoll, Elsevier Executive Publisher. "We look forward to bringing the event to Kyoto in 2011."
Among the topics covered at the 9th Pangborn Sensory Science Symposium are:
- Fundamentals of sensory perception
- Effective use of sensory analysis / quality assurance
- Multi-modal sensory analysis and integration across modalities
- Sensometrics
- New methods for consumer research
- Food choice and consumer behaviour
- Cross-cultural sensory and consumer research
- Sensory and consumer research of personal and home-care products
- Sensory properties for health and wellness
- Sensory perception and human behaviour in children and the elderly
- Advances in sensory methodology
- Sensory science and challenging products
Attendees are welcome to register at http://www.pangborn2011.com
About Elsevier
Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. The company works in partnership with the global science and health communities to publish more than 2,000 journals, including The Lancet (http://www.thelancet.com/) and Cell (http://www.cell.com/), and close to 20,000 book titles, including major reference works from Mosby and Saunders. Elsevier's online solutions include SciVerse ScienceDirect (http://www.sciencedirect.com/), SciVerse Scopus (http://www.scopus.com/), Reaxys (http://www.reaxys.com/), MD Consult (http://www.mdconsult.com/) and Nursing Consult ( http://www.nursingconsult.com/), which enhance the productivity of science and health professionals, and the SciVal suite (http://www.scival.com/) and MEDai's Pinpoint Review (http://www.medai.com/), which help research and health care institutions deliver better outcomes more cost-effectively.
A global business headquartered in Amsterdam, Elsevier (http://www.elsevier.com/), employs 7,000 people worldwide. The company is part of Reed Elsevier Group PLC (http://www.reedelsevier.com/), a world-leading publisher and information provider, which is jointly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange).
Japan Agriculture Group team visits BOI to explore investment opportunities
Date: 22/11/2010
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD - An eight-member delegation from Japan Agriculture Group,led by Yasuhiro Nakagawa, Vice Chairman (JA) Japan, President Kyoto Prefecture union of Agriculture Cooperatives visited Board of Investment (BOI) and discussed ways and means to further explore Agriculture Sector of Pakistan and extreme business opportunities especially mangoes processing and exports, dairy and livestock and citrus fruit.
BOI Secretary Anisul Hussnain welcomed the delegates while Director General Muhammad Muslim gave a detailed presentation on investment policy, incentive package and tremendous potential available in the field of agriculture sector and highlighted the policy parameters allows 100% foreign equity in the major sectors and full repatriation of profits and dividends in all the sectors.
He told the delegation about the incentives offered to Special Economic Zones in Pakistan, including exemption of levies on import of capital equipment for zone developers and investors, Corporate Income tax holiday for 5 years for investors and 10 years for zone developers About the potential of investment in agriculture sector, Mr. Muslim informed that the GDP share of agriculture sector is (Crops-46%, Livestock-52%, Fisheries-1%, Forestry-1%) which is equal to 21% of total GDP.
The sector also employs 44% of labour force while Export share 66% of total and 5 year’s avg. growth 4.1%.
The opportunities being given to the investor are as follows Farm equipment/machinery & pressurized irrigation systems, Commercial production of olives, edible oil seeds, tea, herbs and cut flowers, Certified seed incl. hybrid/BT seeds & Nursery Production, Silos/Warehouse Storages (30-35 million tonnes) and Absence of wholesale markets and commodity exchanges.
Talking about the investment in horticulture he added that the investors can invest in Production of Hybrid seed & plant material, Vegetables under green houses/plastic tunnel and Herbs & flori culture.
In Processing; Dehydrated fruits & vegetables, Juices, concentrates & pulps, Canning & frozen packaging, Tomato paste, Essential oils.
In Infrastructure: Cool chain systems, Export houses and Packaging technology Japan Agriculture Association (JA) is an organization that conducts business activities based on the participation and collective efforts of its members.
It collectively purchases the material necessary for agricultural production and collective markets agricultural products for supplying food products to consumers all across Japan.
In the end, Secretary BOI thanked the members of the delegation for visiting Pakistan.
He assured to extend all possible assistance required to them.
Korea-Japan summit due on Dec. 18 in Kyoto
Date: 21/11/2010
Source: Korea Times (Na Jeong-ju)
President Lee Myung-bak and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan are expected to hold a summit on Dec.18 in the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto to discuss the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Seoul and Tokyo, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported Monday.
Lee and Kan are also expected to discuss measures to implement a bilateral accord signed on Nov. 14 in Yokohama between foreign ministers from both nations on the transfer of royal documents belonging to Korea that Japan stole during its 1910-45 colonial rule.
Under the agreement, which requires approval from Japan’s parliament, Tokyo will return 1,205 ancient books, including a collection of royal protocols from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), known as “Uigwe.” The stolen books are now being kept at the Imperial Household Agency in Tokyo.
A Cheong Wa Dae spokesman refused to conform the NHK report, saying talks were still underway between the two nations to fix a schedule for the summit.
At their latest summit in Yokohama, which was held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Meeting, Lee and Kan agreed to bring the so-called shuttle diplomacy back on track to boost bilateral economic and cultural ties.
On the proposed free trade deal between Seoul and Tokyo, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed hope for an early resumption of the negotiations. Lee proposed “serious discussions” on the matter when he visits Japan next time.
“The two leaders agreed in principle to meet as frequently as possible, but Lee’s visit could be delayed if the Japanese parliament fails to endorse Kan’s plan to return the stolen books,” a presidential aide said on condition of anonymity.
The Lee-Kan summit, if realized, will also focus on North Korea’s nuclear program, the aide said.
The leaders are expected to exchange opinions on the revelation that Pyongyang was operating a new uranium enrichment plant with 2,000 centrifuges installed and running.
“Lee and Kan will reaffirm their joint stance on the nuclear issue and urge Pyongyang to give up its nuclear ambitions,” the aide said.
TAG School of Business Hosts the Rise and Fall of the Japanese Economy Lecture
Date: 21/11/2010
Source: Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Academies (PR)
Prof. Katusji Okachi, professor of economics at Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan gave a comprehensive look at the strong relations between Jordan and Japan, an overview on the economic situation around the world in addition to other issues
AMMAN - The Rise and Fall of the Japanese Economy was tackled on November 10, 2010 during a special lecture jointly organized under the patronage of HE the Japanese Ambassador to Amman Mr. Tetsuo Shioguchi by the Embassy of Japan in Jordan and Talal Abu-Ghazaleh School of Business (TAGSB) at TAG-Business Forum.
Prof. Katsuji Okachi, professor of economics at Ryukoku University in Kyoto, Japan gave a comprehensive look at the strong relations between Jordan and Japan, an overview on the economic situation around the world in addition to other issues.
He also discussed aspects of a single currency system in Asian region and the significance of establishing the optimum currency area based on the Japanese Yen in Asia and what currencies in Asia should be included in establishing the basket system to achieve monetary stability in Asia.
Prof. Okachi highlighted the strong ties between Japan and the Middle East especially Jordan thanks to the strong relations between His Majesty King Abdullah II and Japanese Royal family which reflected on the economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
Prof. Okachi is a well-known figure in the world of economics and has published several books that deal with society and economics.
The event was attended by a host of students and interested individuals.
Read further articles about the continuous business relations between Japan and Jordan:
Japan - Jordan Relations
Date: Oct. 2010
Source: Ministry Of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1954, Japan and Jordan have maintained friendly bilateral relations, including those between the imperial and royal families.
Jordan has been actively engaged in the Middle East peace process. The political and economic stability of Jordan, which is situated in a special geopolitical position, directly affects the stability of the Middle East region.
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Japan fully recognizes such importance of Jordan and has actively extended assistance to the country. Taking into account the fact that Jordan has been making steady progress toward economic liberalization and aiming to nurture promising and internationally competitive industries in Jordan, Japan has initiated to extend intellectual assistance to Jordan, taking advantage of the know-how accumulated through the history of Japanese industrial governance.
The state visit by His Majesty King Abdullah introduced a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. Japan is determined to further strengthen the ties between the two countries, for instance, by broadening the foundation of mutual understanding between the two countries to the grass-roots level through wider exchanges of citizens of the two countries.
Japan-Jordan Summit Meeting
Date: 12/10/2010
Source: Ministry Of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Prime Minister of Japan Naoto Kan held a bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister's Office with the Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Samir Al Rifai, who is in Japan on an official working visit, for about 30 minutes from 6:00 p.m. on October 12 (Tue). The outline of the meeting is as follows.
1. Prime Minister Rifai expressed his gratitude not just for the support given to Jordan, but for the support which Japan has provided for the entire Middle East region, including that assistance for peace in the Middle East.
2. Prime Minister Kan noted that Japan had particular interest in large-scale infrastructure projects, in particular, the project for the construction of nuclear power plants. He touched upon the signing of Japan-Jordan Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and stated that the Japanese government would extend the maximum support it could on the finance side while ensuring the safety of the project. Prime Minister Kan also stated with regard to bilateral economic cooperation that he would consider the contribution of additional ODA loans to Jordan. Finally, Prime Minister Kan pointed out the importance of the promotion of the Middle East peace process. In response, Prime Minister Rifai explained that Jordan, as a hub for the Middle East, has been promoting region-wide projects to bring economic benefit to the region as a whole, including projects for nuclear power, water, and railroads, and that if the dividends of peace are felt throughout the region, the entire region would become more moderate.
(Photos: Cabinet Public Relations Office, MoFA)
Dinner between Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Seiji Maehara and Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Samir Rifai
Date: 12/10/2010
Source: Ministry Of Foreign Affairs of Japan
On October 12 (Tue) for about an hour and a half from 7:00 p.m., Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Seiji Maehara held a dinner with Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Samir Al Rifai, who is visiting Japan. In addition to the various topics discussed during the summit meeting held prior to the dinner, the following topics were also discussed.
1. Prime Minister Rifai stated that Jordan supported Japan’s concept of the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity. Minister Maehara responded in regard to the concept that land reclamation works of the Jericho Agro-Industrial Park was scheduled to begin soon.
2. Prime Minister Rifai and Minister of Public Sector Development and Minister of State for Mega-Projects Imad Fakhoury, explained that there were three large-scale infrastructure projects, a nuclear power generation project, a desalination project, and a railroad project. In addition to contributing to the security of Jordan in the areas of water and energy, these projects were significant in that they would contribute to promoting closer ties within the region through exporting electricity to neighboring countries and connecting neighboring countries, thus promoting closer ties within the region.
Jordan signs nuclear accord with Japan
Date: 10/09/2010
Source: AFP
AMMAN — Jordan and Japan have signed an agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation in the ninth such accord made by the kingdom, the official Petra news agency reported.
It said the deal covers "the exploration for and exploitation of uranium, the construction and operation of nuclear reactors, as well as the protection of the environment from radiation."
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| Khaled Tukan, chairman of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission |
Jordan's Atomic Energy Commission chief Khaled Tukan was quoted as saying that Amman wished to "profit from Japanese experience in the field of nuclear energy."
"The agreement will allow Japan to export to Jordan technology for the civilian use of nuclear energy," Tukan said, adding that Jordan hoped to sign a similar accord with the United States "in the coming months."
Jordan, which imports about 95 percent of its energy needs, has signed nuclear cooperation agreements with several countries in a bid to produce atomic energy for power generation and water desalination.
It already has deals with Argentina, Britain, Canada, China, France, Russia, South Korea and Spain.
The country's 1.2 billion tonnes of phosphate reserves are estimated to contain 130,000 tonnes of uranium, and the government wants the first nuclear plant to be ready by 2015.
In July, South Korea loaned Jordan 70 million dollars to help build its first nuclear research reactor, a five-megawatt project worth 130 million dollars, at the Jordan University for Sciences and Technology at Irbid.
Jordan is the latest Sunni Arab country, including Egypt and pro-Western Gulf Arab states, to announce plans for nuclear power programmes in the face of Shiite Iran's controversial atomic drive.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.
Jordan, Japan sign nuclear cooperation deal
Date: 10/09/2010
Source: Associated Press
Atomic Energy Commission chief: Agreement sets stage for exploring, exploiting Jordan's uranium reserves; Japan to assist building of reactor.
AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan and Japan have signed a nuclear cooperation deal on Friday, potentially boosting the hand of a French-Japanese consortium bidding to build Jordan's first nuclear plant.
Atomic Energy Commission chief Khaled Toukan said the agreement sets the stage for exploring and exploiting Jordan's uranium reserves.
Toukan said Japan will also assist in the construction and operation of a local reactor and in studies on radioisotopes and radiation.
Jordan wants to build a nuclear plant by 2019 to meet its growing energy needs and reduce its energy bill, which consumes about 20 percent of its annual budget.
Amman has shortlisted a French-Japanese consortium, a Canadian and a Russian company to build the plant.
Japan, Jordan Plan Nuclear Treaty, Paving Way for MHI, Areva Reactor Sales
Date: 11/06/2010
Source: Bloomberg, Shigeru Sato and Tsuyoshi Inajima
Japan and Jordan will start talks for a nuclear treaty this month, paving the way for Areva SA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to sell reactors as the Middle Eastern country plans its first atomic power plant.
Talks for the bilateral agreement, which would allow Japanese companies to export nuclear technology, will be held on June 13 in the Jordanian capital, Amman, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday.
Paris-based Atmea, a 50-50 joint venture between Areva and Mitsubishi Heavy, is negotiating with Jordan to build a nuclear plant, slated for completion in 2019. Japan, which lost out to South Korea in December on a $20 billion atomic contract with the United Arab Emirates, this week began informal talks with Vietnam for a nuclear treaty as the government tries to help companies sell infrastructure projects overseas.
“A nuclear treaty is just the first step for Japan to win a contract in Jordan,” said Takehiko Yamamoto, a professor of international relations at Waseda University in Tokyo. “The price, financing, reactor safety and the diplomatic benefits of such a contract will be the decisive elements.”
Jordan has short-listed Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.’s Candu 6 reactor, the AES-92 VVER-1,000 model developed by Russia’s state-run Atomstroyexport ZAO and the Areva-MHI Atmea1 reactor, the Jordan Times reported on May 13, citing the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission.
The Middle Eastern nation, which relies almost entirely on imports for its energy needs, will select a bidder within a year, Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Khalid Touqan said in March.
Regional Security
Jordan, a vital U.S. ally in the region, may be unwilling to choose the Canadian model because it produces plutonium that can be used to make weapons, Yamamoto said.
“Geopolitical tensions would arise if Jordan picks a heavy-water reactor,” he said.
The mid-sized Atmea1, which can withstand the impact of a large commercial plane, may appeal to Jordan because of its safety, said Tomoko Murakami, a senior nuclear analyst at the Institute of Energy Economics Japan. “Strengthening safety may also have made Atmea1 more costly compared with its Russian and Canadian competitors,” she said.
Japan typically signs nuclear accords with nations that are signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which include Jordan. The country has agreements with the U.S., U.K., France, Canada, Australia and China, according to the foreign ministry website. Japan also has a treaty with the European Union through the European Atomic Energy Community, known as Euratom.
The U.S. and France have urged Japan to sign a similar treaty with India, which isn’t an NPT signatory, Nikkei English News reported without citing anyone. Trade Minister Masayuki Naoshima denied the report when speaking to reporters in Tokyo June 9.
Informal talks with Vietnam were held in Hanoi June 9, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released the following day.
Boulder, CO, Mayor due to attend Kyoto international conference on low-carbon cities
Date : 20/11/2010
Source : Coloradodaily
As the face of Boulder, Mayor Susan Osborne has also found herself in the spotlight more than once. She traveled to Paris in May for an exclusive meeting of mayors from around the world to discuss sustainable development strategies. She was the only mayor invited from the United States. Next month, she'll travel to Kyoto, Japan, for an international conference on low-carbon cities.
The Japanese government has selected 13 Japanese cities as "Eco-model" cities that will present their achievements. Boulder's mayor will attend and give a half-hour presentation on Boulder's achievements in February 2011, paid by Kyoto tax-payers. Her schedule from December to February in Kyoto is not released.
"All of a sudden, it seems like there are more opportunities to go places, representing our programs, and it's quite remarkable," Osborne said. "In the last year, it's really kind of kicked to this new level."
Osborne said the city has long been well-known for its development and environmental policies, but the newfound attention means the city will have to become smart about how it responds to requests in the future.
"How do we share what we're learning here, how do we think about this new role for some of our elected officials?" she said. "I think we're still kind of feeling it out."
[Kyoto News : Osborne is probably having a fanstastic time globe-trotting and helping boost Boulder's business but not Gaia.]
Jonathan Koehn, Boulder's regional sustainability coordinator, who has represented the city abroad several times, said he personally purchases carbon offsets through the Colorado Carbon Fund to make up for the impact of his trips.
[Kyoto News : We all know that is how we recongnize businessmen pretending to help the environment - there is no way that Boulder's representatives intensive air travel is going to lower down dioxyde carbon levels.]
"We've been able to bring back a lot of really valuable information," he said, including contacts at the international level on issues of energy planning. Those contacts could prove especially valuable as the city develops a plan over the next five years for where it gets its energy, he said.
KYOCERA Headquarters 2010 Christmas Illumination & Concert Schedule
Date: 18/11/2010
Source: Kyocera Corp. (PR)
Kyocera Corporation (President: Tetsuo Kuba) will present its annual Christmas Illumination at its headquarters building in Kyoto, Japan from November 26 through December 31.
In the evenings the public garden area in front of the Kyocera headquarters building will be decorated with 201,000 energy-efficient LEDs and light bulbs, background seasonal music, a giant Christmas tree display, and there will also be a handbell concert on December 21. In its 13th continuous year, Kyocera provides this winter tradition for the local community to enjoy the holiday season. Also, the energy used for the illumination is being provided using carbon credits purchased from the Kyoto CO2 Reduction Bank.
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| Scenes from last year’s Christmas Illumination |
Highlights
The ethereal blue, white, green, red and orange LEDs illuminating the Kyocera headquarters and public garden area located in front of the building create a radiant Snowy Grove of Lights. The lights of the giant Christmas tree and the illumination of the garden area will decorate the crisp Kyoto winter evenings for all to enjoy. The Christmas Illumination welcomes in the holiday season and the coming new-year as a winter tradition for the community.
The light display consists of 201,000 energy-efficient LEDs and light bulbs which will paint the night in an illuminating array of colors. In its 13th year, the Kyocera headquarters Christmas Illumination has taken place each year since the building was erected in 1998; the display of lights was started for the enjoyment of the local community in the Fushimi-ku area of Kyoto. The garden area in front of the building provides a place of relaxation for the local community by offering beautiful scenery in all four seasons with an array of plants and flowers including weeping cherry blossoms, flowering dogwoods, Indian azaleas and camellias. For the Christmas Illumination, the whole area is festively decorated with shimmering lights to create a secluded grove of illumination.
Giant Christmas Tree
The Kyocera headquarters 20-story building is transformed into a giant Christmas tree by utilizing the window lighting to create the shape of a classic fir tree, approximately 86 meters tall, which is visible on both the east and west sides of the building. Flashing lamps, green and red lighting and a huge “Merry Christmas” sign complete the festive holiday scene which can be seen from far and near.
Christmas Concert
A classical concert performed by the Seibo Gakuin Junior High School / High School handbell and chorus groups. Come to enjoy the heart-warming voices and harmonious sound of the handbells while viewing the Christmas Illumination display.
Date: December 21, 2010 (Tue) 18:30-19:30
Location: Kyocera headquarters lobby 1st floor
Carbon Offsetting Program
| From last year, the energy used for the illumination has been provided using carbon credits. Kyocera has purchased a 1.0-ton carbon credit from the Kyoto CO2 Reduction Bank (Kyoto Environmental Action Committee) which has been accumulated from residential energy saving programs within Kyoto Prefecture. This allows Kyocera to offset the added energy consumption* of the Christmas Illumination in a responsible manner. *Conventional lighting of the building interior used to create the Christmas tree not included. |  1.0-ton carbon credit certificate from 2009 |
| Event | Snowy Grove of Light & Giant Christmas Tree Illumination | ||
| Dates |
| ||
| Location | Kyocera headquarters building and the garden area in front of the main entrance | ||
| Address | Head Office 6 Takeda Tobadono-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Japan 612-8501 | ||
| Access | - From Takeda Station (Kintetsu Line / Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line) exit the north-west exit and take a city bus to Pulse Plaza stop (5 min) - From Kintetsu Line Fushimi Station 10 minute walk - From Keihan Line Chushojima Station take a city bus to Pulse Plaza stop (10 min) | ||
| Parking | No public parking on weekdays. Parking available on weekends and holidays at Pulse Plaza on the north side of the Kyocera building from Nov 26 - Dec 25 (gates close at 21:45) | ||
| Contact | TEL: 0077-78-0500* (toll-free) 9:00 – 19:00 (weekdays) 9:00 – 17:30 (weekends and holidays (Japanese only)) | ||
| Light bulbs | 201,000 (blue, white, green, red, orange) | ||
| Weather restrictions | Carried out even in light rain | ||
| Home page | http://global.kyocera.com/ |
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Bolivia, Japan sign agreement on lithium
Bolivia and Japan have signed an agreement to help the Andean nation conduct research that will lead to the industrialisation of its lithium wealth, the Bolivian firm said Wednesday.The state-run Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) signed
a memorandum of understanding to work with the state-run Bolivian Mining Corporation (COMIBOL), the Bolivian company told AFP.
JOGMEC will coordinate the research with the Mitsubishi and Sumitomo Corporations, the University of Kita-kiusyu, the National Institute of Science and Advanced Industrial Technology, and the University of Kyoto 'to continue the development of the research into the brine located in the Uyuni salt flats.'
Lithium is widely used in rechargeable batteries for laptops, mobile phones and electric cars, with an estimated 70 per cent of the world's known lithium reserves
are in Bolivia.
Bolivia's lithium is found in Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world near the border
with Chile, 3,650 metres above sea level.
Date: 11/11/2010
China and Russia snub APEC meeting in Kyoto
Written by Sayan Guha for BSR Russia
Date: 10/11/2010
The recent showdown between Tokyo and Beijing and the tiff between Tokyo and Moscow over territorial claims seem to cast a shadow on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meeting scheduled for Nov 13 and 14.
The recently concluded APEC finance ministers meeting in Kyoto was skipped by both the Russian & Chinese Finance Ministers and was attended by their vice ministers instead. This also led people to speculate if Chinese president Hu-Jintao will attend the summit scheduled this week.
It may be recalled that diplomatic row erupted between China and Japan in September over the control of Senkaku islands in the East China Sea. The islands are claimed by China but controlled by Japan.
Last month tension had built up between Japan and Russia over the visit to the Kunashiri island in the Kurils by President Dmitry Medvedev. The islands off Hokkaido are controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan. The Japanese ambassador in Moscow was recalled in protest.
In an apparent reconciliation move, Medvedev later thanked the Japanese Prime Minister for the invitation to the APEC summit to be held in Yokohama.
Japan had hoped to use the Finance Ministers meeting as a platform to re-affirm
its economic engagement with China.
The two Asian countries hold the highest amount of foreign exchange reserves
and bilateral trade stood at ¥12.6 trillion in the first six months of the year.
Compared to that, bilateral trade between Russia and Japan is much smaller, recording $14 billion for the first six months in 2010.
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| President Medvedev visiting a family home in the Kurils |
Dr. Shinya Yamanaka Receives 2010 Kyoto Prize in “Advanced Technology” for Work with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Date: 10/11/2010Source: Business Wire
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Dr. Shinya Yamanaka discovered how to revert body cells to the embryonic state. (Toshifumi Kitamura, AFP/Getty Images / January 9, 2008) |
The non-profit Inamori Foundation (President: Dr. Kazuo Inamori) today presented Dr. Shinya Yamanaka with its 26th annual Kyoto Prize in “Advanced Technology,” which focuses for 2010 on the fields of Biotechnology and Medical Technology.
Yamanaka, 48, is a senior investigator at the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease in San Francisco; professor at Kyoto University; and director of CiRA, Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application. He received the Kyoto Prize for developing a technology to generate induced pluripotent stem cells, otherwise known as iPS cells.
Dr. Yamanaka's Achievements
Pluripotent stem cells are believed to hold tremendous future promise for treating human injury and disease because of their ability to grow into virtually any type of differentiated cell. For years, however, research in this area has faced two impediments. The first has been primarily an ethical concern: traditional technologies have derived stem cells from human embryos, which are destroyed in the process. The second impediment is the risk of immunological rejection, since transplanted embryonic stem (ES) cells are not the patient's own cells. Dr. Yamanaka's work is making historic progress in overcoming both of these issues.
Determined to find a way to develop stem cells that would not destroy human embryos, Dr. Yamanaka focused his research on “reprogramming” adult skin cells.
By introducing just four transcription factor genes into dermal fibroblasts, he succeeded in creating “induced pluripotent” stem (iPS) cells, which exhibit pluripotency similar to that of embryonic stem (ES) cells. The potential of this achievement includes the possibility of future stem cell therapies that could be based on a patient's own cells.
Dr. Yamanaka's iPS cell technology also holds promise for revealing the pathologies of human diseases. It could one day provide insights into treating illnesses now considered incurable, and aid in the screening process for drug discovery and drug toxicity testing. Over the long term, Dr. Yamanaka's work has the potential to expand the possibilities of regenerative medicine, and the medical sciences overall.
Other 2010 Kyoto Prize Recipients
In addition to Dr. Yamanaka, this year's Kyoto Prize laureates include:
- In “Basic Sciences:” Dr. László Lovász (citizenship: U.S. and Hungary), 62, director of the Mathematical Institute at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, who has provided a link among numerous branches of the mathematical sciences in terms of algorithms through his advanced research on discrete structures.
- In “Arts and Philosophy:” Mr. William Kentridge (citizenship: South Africa), 55, a visual artist from Johannesburg, whose wide-ranging activities encompass animation, stage direction and writing.
The Kyoto Prize
The Kyoto Prize is Japan's highest private award for global achievement, honoring significant contributions to the betterment of humankind. It consists of a diploma, a 20-karat-gold Kyoto Prize medal, and a cash gift totaling 50 million yen (approximately US$610,000) per category.
The Inamori Foundation
The non-profit Inamori Foundation was established in 1984 by Dr. Kazuo Inamori, founder and chairman emeritus of Kyocera (NYSE:KYO) and KDDI Corporation. The Foundation created the Kyoto Prize in 1985, in line with Dr. Inamori's belief that a human being has no higher calling than to strive for the greater good of society, and that the future of humanity can be assured only when there is a balance between our scientific progress and our spiritual depth. As of the 26th Kyoto Prize ceremony (November 10, 2010), the prize has been awarded to 84 individuals and one foundation — collectively representing 15 nations. Individual laureates range from scientists, engineers and researchers to philosophers, painters, architects, sculptors, musicians and film directors. The United States has produced the most recipients (34), followed by Japan (14), the United Kingdom (12), and France (8).
For more information and/or photos, visit: www.kyotoprize.org.
Japan hotel chain rebrands Holiday Inn Kyoto
(Mike Patton)
Japan hotel chain Solare Hotels & Resorts Co., Ltd. will expand its Avanshell hotel brand by rebranding the Holiday Inn in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Kyoto is home to a number of World Heritage sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines, as well as traditional Japanese gardens and Geisha. As of January 1st, 2011, the city will also be home to the Hotel Avanshell Kyoto. Kyoto is a must-visit destination in Japan, as it provides a unique mix of culture and sophistication that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
The Hotel Avanshell Kyoto, (formerly known as the Holiday Inn Kyoto) will be the second in the Avanshell brand, after the Hotel Avanshell Akasaka in Tokyo. Both properties are in excellent locations for exploring surrounding attractions. Avanshell Hotel Kyoto is located in a very picturesque area near the Kamogawa river, close to Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion) a prime location for sightseeing, shopping or business. Both Avanshell hotels provide a new type of affordable luxury, and are easily accessible to visitors from overseas, and of course Japanese tourists and businesspeople.
Solare Hotels & Resorts CEO and President A.G. Virili explains, “. Hotel Avanshell is a mid scale product fitting nicely between our Loisir full service offer and our Chisun budget lineup. Its larger than average rooms, meeting facilities and attractive food and beverage offers are pitched at international travelers, as well as families and small groups. We hope that guests who knew us as Holiday Inn Kyoto now will return to experience the revamped Hotel Avanshell Kyoto. We will be offering Avanshell brand as a franchise option as well, in order to roll out this brand in Japan.”
As of October 2010, Solare Hotels & Resorts Co. Ltd. and its almost 5,500 associates operate, franchise and asset-manage 75 hotels and 12,836 rooms throughout Japan, including Chisun brand hotels, eight Loisir hotels, Hotel Avanshell hotels, the Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa, and the Kobe Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers and the Mercure Hotel Narita.
Date: 10/11/2010
APEC finance ministers start plenary sessions in Kyoto of Japan
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| Participants are seen at the plenary session of the 17th APEC finance ministers in the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto, Nov. 6, 2010. (Xinhua) |
KYOTO, Japan, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 17th APEC finance ministers began Saturday to hold plenary sessions in the ancient Japanese city of Kyoto.
On the agenda of the two-day meeting are such issues as securing a balance between expanding social security and maintaining sound finances, redressing current-account imbalances and cooperation to curb competitive currency devaluation
The finance chiefs will also discuss how to secure finance to enhance economic growth in such areas as infrastructure, small and medium-sized companies and tackling climate change.
And a joint statement as well as a "Kyoto Report on Growth Strategy and Finance" is expected to be adopted towards the end of the gathering, when the finance chiefs will likely pledge greater cooperation in promoting economic growth in the region and addressing world trade imbalances.
The conference, which opened late Friday with a dinner reception hosted by the Japanese side, is convened in the run-up to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Week meetings scheduled for Nov. 7-14 in Japan's second largest city of Yokohama.
APEC is a forum which aims to facilitate economic cooperation among 21 member economies in the Asia-Pacific area.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
Kineo CAM establishes an office in Japan
KYOTO, Japan : Kineo CAM, a software components provider for collision detection and automatic path planning establishes an office in Kyoto, Japan. The French software editor incorporated in 2000 as a spin-off company of the national public research laboratory LAAS-CNRS has chosen to open its first foreign office in Japan. Kineo CAM is a Small-Medium Enterprise recognized as a specialist in software for motion planning and collision avoidance; the company delivers its solutions on a worldwide basis and in Japan since 2006.
Since then, a dozen of large Japanese organizations have been using Kineo CAM’s software technology for which the local demand is growing. By opening this office, the company intends to come closer to its current customers while intensifying its penetration in the proven market of manufacturing robotics as well as in the emerging servicing robotics market.
“We are happy to see that Kineo has come closer to us geographically; it could help in distributing more rapidly and broadly their software” says Dr. Eng. Yutaka Hirano, Chief Technologist, Project General Manager at Future Project Division of Toyota Motor Corporation.
In operation since last July, Kineo CAM in Japan has already signed a prospect in a new sector – special robots in the semi-conductor market; who has just invested in automatic path planning software to avoid collisions for its equipments.
“Our mission in Japan consists in supporting our local partners, mainly in automotive and aerospace markets but also to increase the number of software integrations with software developers, original robot manufacturers and Japanese research labs in robotics” explains Sébastien Malbranche, VP Sales and Marketing.
Sébastien Malbranche returns to Japan where he spent almost three years in Tokyo, Osaka and Sendai as a visiting researcher then as a humanoid robotics specialist in the early 2000s.
“I’m delighted with this decision as it has been our wish for the past one or two years; it will ease our business and technical relationships” expresses Dr. Eng. Eiichi Yoshida, Co-Director of the Japanese – French Joint Robotics Laboratory, CNRS-AIST UMI3218/CRT established in 2008.
Kineo Computer Aided Motion “Kineo CAM” is the independent software
developer of the leading technology for Automatic Motion and Path Planning, KineoWorks.
Being focused on the development of unmatched efficient solutions, Kineo CAM addresses large companies and institutions in the United States, Europe and Japan.
The main market of Kineo CAM is Mechanical Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing. In this area, the large range of solutions, from stand-alone to fully integrated software, enables users to save money, shorten development time and increase quality in Product Design (validation of mechanical mounting /
dismounting) and Process (simulation of operations in cluttered 3D environments).
Kineo CAM is the winner of the national contest of innovation from the Ministry of Research and Technology (2000), received the IEEE/IFR Innovation Award for Outstanding Achievements in Commercializing Innovative Robot and Automation technology (2005), winner of the 2007 Innovation ICT Prize from the European Commission and the European Council of Applied Sciences, Technologies & Engineering, and the regional Midi-Pyrénées Innovation and International award. Kineo CAM was awarded by Daratech, the title of emerging technology at the Daratech SUMMIT2006 with eight other innovative American companies.
Date: 04/11/2010
Omron and STMicroelectronics Enable Smarter Gas Metering
GENEVA and KYOTO, Japan, Nov. 4, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a leading supplier of IC solutions for metering applications, and Omron, a world leader in automation technology, today announced that the two companies have collaborated to provide a complete solution for electronic gas meter flow sensors. The flow sensor they have developed is a key component for the smart turn-key gas meter solution that ST is developing.
Like electricity meters some years ago, gas metering is beginning to move from traditional mechanical meters to sophisticated new electronic solutions incorporating functions such as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). ST estimates that there are some 500 million mechanical gas meters in the world and most major gas providers are preparing programs to replace their traditional meters with more accurate, reliable and efficient electronic meters.
At the heart of the unique cooperation between a leader in metering devices and a leader in automation technology is a proprietary Omron transducer and a companion analog front-end chip developed by ST. These valuable technologies have been integrated into a complete stand-alone subsystem. The resulting flow sensor, which incorporates leading-edge MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) micro-thermal sensor technology, is intrinsically compensated for both temperature and pressure variations, while a built-in circuit compensates for the variation of multiple gas composition. The sensor is dust-resistant to comply with international gas-meter standards.
"Building on our successful collaboration with ST in MEMS microphones, we are confident that this new collaboration will put both partners at the forefront of the emerging market for electronic gas meters," said Yoshio Sekiguchi, Senior General Manager of the Micro Devices Division of Omron Corporation.
Mounted on a small PCB (Printed-Circuit-Board) measuring 7.2x8.6 cm, the gas-flow sensor provides high accuracy with very low power consumption, built-in motor drivers for valve control, and protection against temperature and vibration effects. The sensor board includes an ultra-low power STM8L152 microcontroller with 32 Kbytes of flash memory and an LCD display driver, the STLM20 temperature sensor, the LIS332AR accelerometer and the M41T82 real-time clock, as well as power-management and motor-control devices.
"As demand for smarter gas metering starts to take off, this collaboration with Omron puts us ahead of the field and will enable us to repeat the enormous success we have achieved in smart electricity meters," said Benedetto Vigna, General Manager of the MEMS, Sensors and High-Performance Analog Division of STMicroelectronics, noting that the meter kit will greatly reduce purchasing costs and accelerate time-to-market for meter manufacturers.
This expanded relationship, which builds on a cooperative effort that Omron and ST launched in November 2009, further strengthens ST's position in the increasingly important field of 'intelligent measurement,' i.e. applications such as electricity, gas and water metering where miniature sensors and ultra-low-power microcontrollers are combined to gather more accurate and reliable data and communicate the data to host systems that can provide the consumer with real-time information on cost and usage patterns, thereby helping them to minimize their use of non-renewable resources.
Further information will be available from both companies at ST's stand (Hall A5, Booth 207) at Electronica, November 9-12, 2010, in Munich.
About OMRON
Headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Omron Corporation is a global leader in the field of automation. Established in 1933, and headed by President Hisao Sakuta, Omron has more than 36,000 employees in over 35 countries working to provide products and services to customers in a variety of fields including industrial automation, electronic components industries, social systems and healthcare. The company is divided into five regions with head offices in Japan (Kyoto), Asia Pacific (Singapore), China (Shanghai), Europe (Amsterdam) and US (Chicago). For more information, visit Omron's website at http://www.omron.com/
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2009, the Company's net revenues were $8.51 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
SOURCE STMicroelectronics
Cellectis and the Center for iPS Cells Research and Application Enter Collaboration
PARIS and KYOTO, Japan, Oct 25, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Cellectis (alternext:ALCLS), the French genome engineering specialist, and the Center for iPS Cells Research and Application (CiRA) of Kyoto>/span> University, Kyoto, Japan, have announced today that they have started a scientific collaboration to combine Cellectis' genome engineering technologies with CiRA's induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) technology to improve the natural characteristics of iPS cells for use as cellular tools.
CiRA was created in January 2008 by Kyoto University as part of an effort to advance iPS cells research. CiRA is headed by Prof Shinya Yamanaka, who pioneered iPS cells technology.
iPS cells are adult cells that have been reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells. Theoretically, they can differentiate into any other cell type. Prof. Shinya Yamanaka and his collaborators first described their breakthrough in 2006, which has since provided the scientific community with the tools to generate an endless source of stem cells. Importantly, iPS cells are not associated with the ethical issues characteristic of embryonic cells.
CiRA and Cellectis are planning to combine the groundbreaking iPS technology with the genome engineering expertise of Cellectis to rationally engineer the genome of these cells in order to provide better control over their behavior.
"This collaboration supports the approach developed by Cellectis with Ectycell, its subsidiary dedicated to the industrial uses of iPS cells," declared David Sourdive, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development for Cellectis. "Together we believe we can maximize the natural synergy between these two complementary approaches to cell engineering, to develop technologies that could have a major impact in the stem cell field".
About Cellectis
Cellectis is a pioneer in the field of genome engineering. The company designs and markets innovative tools -meganucleases. These molecular scissors enable targeted modifications to DNA, with applications in the research, biomanufacturing, agrobiotechnology and therapeutic sectors.
To date, Cellectis has formed over 20 academic research partnerships and has established more than 50 agreements with pharmaceutical laboratories, seed producers and biotech companies across the world. The company holds exclusive rights to a portfolio of over 260 patents granted or pending.
Since 2007, Cellectis has been listed on the NYSE-Euronext Alternext market (code:ALCLS) in Paris and has secured over euro 70 million in funding since inception.
More information at www.cellectis.com
Follow Cellectis on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cellectis
About Ectycell
Ectycell was established as a subsidiary of Cellectis in September 2009 to research and commercialize industrial uses of products derived from stem cells. Its initial goals are to develop tools for generating induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from adult cells, robust and reproducible differentiation of stem cells, and cell libraries for testing drug candidates.
About CiRA
Kyoto University founded the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) as a part of the Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) in January 2008 to advance induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell research and applications. It was designated as the university's 14th research institute in April 2010. CiRA is a pioneering organization that specializes in iPS cell research, the world's first research institute of its kind.
Disclaimer
This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe, for shares in Cellectis in any country. This press release contains forward-looking statements that relate to the Company's objectives. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management only and involve risk and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, whether the Company will be successful in implementing its strategies, whether there will be continued growth in the relevant market and demand for the Company's products, new products or technological developments introduced by competitors, and risks associated with managing growth. Unfavorable developments in connection with these and other risks and uncertainties described, in particular, in the Company's prospectus prepared in connection with its IPO and on which the French Autorite des marches financiers ("AMF") granted its visa no. 07-023 on January 22, 2007, could cause the Company to fail to achieve the objectives expressed by the forward-looking statements above.
SOURCE Cellectis
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